Autumn 2024Stiffen your resolve to do more exercise

What a mixed bag of weather this summer was, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if autumn were just as inconsistent.

But there are two things in autumn that we are sure of. Temperatures will drop and the days become shorter, and both have an impact on physical and mental health.

Pointers on joints

For arthritis sufferers, joints get crankier as autumn progresses. Recent research has shown that they are responding to barometric pressure, becoming less like the fuel that keeps us supple and turning instead to sludge, provoking aching limbs, pain, and stiffness. It is important to start fighting these symptoms before the chill of winter bites. So, ensure you keep warm, eat well, walk carefully, stock up on vitamin D and stretch out and exercise.

That last tip extends to all of us, actually. With fewer daylight hours and more inclement skies, the tendency is to cut right down on the exercise. But aside from being good for the heart and avoiding strokes, aerobic exercise can fight and fend off colds, flu, and the virulent viruses on the rise at this time of year.

It doesn’t have to be the same location or even sport you do during summertime. Track athletes and tennis players may begin to venture inside, while some swap the intensity of a run for a brisk walk. This is the season for soccer too, and a big shout must go out to walking football, a great way for older men and women to exercise – with plenty of teams and leagues around.

Mental health matters

The shift in season can affect the production of serotonin and melatonin in the brain, resulting in what some call SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. Sleep patterns can go out of kilter causing exhaustion and irritability, mood can be significantly lowered due to the prevailing darkness, and even anxiety levels heighten with everything from the stresses of paying for the coming Christmas to walking home in the dark preying on our minds. Mental health organisations from CAMHS for our children to Andy’s Man’s Club for men, do a sterling job and it is important to reach out before issues escalate.

Feverish at the practice

Back at your local surgery, we see autumn as a time to prepare for the most difficult period for health, namely winter. Notice of Covid inoculations and flu jab clinics will be coming your way and I suggest you accept the offer and make it easier on yourself – and us at the NHS – over the closing months of the year.

Poor hygiene can help viruses spread and mutate and so catching sneezes in a handkerchief and covering your mouth when you cough is good practice. As is the frequent washing of hands.

So, make this season one where you continue summer’s good practices and if you haven’t as yet made a commitment to care for your health, then autumn truly is the time to turn over a new leaf!

About the writer

Dr Anita Sharma is a published women’s health expert, the founder of the charity Endometriosis Awareness North and the president of the Rochdale Inner Wheel club.

As a GP, she previously coordinated the NHS pessary service for Greater Manchester. She also works closely with Rochdale medics to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.